I don't know about you, but now is when I start to seriously feel the December crunch.

I reckon it's time to remind (me) us all to pause before we say yes to another (potentially wonderful) thing, and consider that we *may* already have plans.

These plans may not be for or with someone else. These plans may be pretty mundane--to spend the day packing and grocery shopping, to complete a mid-year grant report, to clean the house, to answer the emails, to wrap presents. These plans may be inside plans. Preparation plans or closing-the-loop plans. The kind of plans that don't really feel like plans at all.

When we have plans like that, we tend to treat them like free time when something potentially fun or important to do with other people out in the world comes along--especially at the holidays.

So, the reminders to each of us:

If you want to or need to, it's okay for you to have plans that don't involve any other people. They're still plans.

If you want to or need to, it's okay for you to stick to your plans--even when they don't sound like as much fun or as important as the plans you're being invited to. They're still plans.

If you want to or need to, it's okay for you to honor your plans without telling other people what they are. They're still plans.

I love you, and you are not alone.

. . .

For new readers: This month, I'm doing a series of (mostly) short, (mostly) daily posts. The series is I Love You, And You Are Not Alone, and this post is part of it. See earlier posts on the website, and subscribe for free to get new ones in your inbox.